The intersection of Ramona Road and SR 422 has been very risky for the Amish and bicyclists. The traffic control signal did not recognize either mode. An Amish man was killed several years ago because he "went on red". There are new traffic signals that should recognize non-motorized traffic and right turn lanes were added. PennDOT 8-0 had the intersection reconstructed with Through Bike Lanes on SR 422 and the accompanying Bikes May Use Full Lane signage. We welcome PennDOT's providing for the safety of bicyclists at newly reconstructed intersections with right turn lanes.

SLMs & BMUFL Signs Installed on SR 422

After 9 years of advocating, Bikes May Use Full Lane signs and Shared Lane Markings (SLMs) are now installed in Annville, Cleona, North Annville Township and South Annville Township. We are very thankful that the leaders of these municipalities supported our persevering efforts and have agreed to maintain the road markings. When we failed to get the support of LEBCO MPO, the LVBC Board chose to spend funds to contract with McCormick Taylor, Inc. to provide professional recommendations. If we lost this opportunity, nothing would get done for years. McCormick Taylor had to hasten in January to be able to provide their findings to Penn DOT in a few weeks. The PennDOT Project Manager was very helpful in making it possible to incorporate the traffic engineers’ recommendations at the last stages of planning the resurfacing project. Please thank Cleona’s Borough Council Members, Annville Township’s Commissioners and South and North Annville Township's Supervisors.

2017 Earn A Bike Program Update

Have an idea on how to reduce landfill waste, help people in need of basic transportation and give some retired men a morning of tinkering with bikes? The answer is LVBC's Earn a Bike program that has helped 61 guys (yes, it's only been guys so far though we've had 2 women sign up but not show up) earn their bicycles since the inception of the program in 2015. Every 4th Saturday morning from March through November, we gather at the warehouse to "build bikes from dust" alongside guys with an interest in biking who often need a way to get to work. With a generous donation of warehouse space by E&E Metal Fab, support from the nearby bicycling community (Common Wheel in Lancaster and Recycle Bicycle in Harrisburg), the commitment of our community partners (e.g., Rescue Mission) and the efforts of a small but dedicated group of volunteers, the Earn a Bike program continues to thrive.

This past year, the Lebanon VA Medical Center joined the Rescue Mission and Jubilee as referring partners, typically referring Veterans from their vocational rehab program. Our source of donated bicycles from Common Wheel has declined thus we're reaching out to others for repairable bikes (call Scott at 717-273-1571 if you have a bike to donate). Skilled and unskilled volunteers are always welcome as building relationships with our bike recipients is often as important as knowing how to fix a bike. Many thanks to all who make this program possible.

SR 343 Is Safer for Bicyclists

Several years ago SR 343 was resurfaced and most of the project provided very adequate shoulders to the right of the installed rumble strips. There was, however, a short section where motorists travel very fast that was done without providing adequate shoulder width. This was very risky for bicycling. It has required several years and support from Penn DOT to fill these rumbles. Together, we learned what material would work best. LVBC partnered with Lebanon County Penn DOT Maintenance staff and crew to undertake a fix. We appreciate the time and logistics involved in doing this project to make it safer for bicyclists.

LVBC Members Bike Audit and Make Recommendations for SR 322 through Campbelltown

Next year, Penn DOT will resurface SR 322 through Campbelltown. Fred Richter and Pat Krebs biked the road section and identified safety concerns. The next step was to develop recommendations to become part of the project and provide them to both South Londonderry Township and Penn DOT. It is of critical importance that the Township staff and Supervisors be supportive or there will be no improvements. If you are familiar with SR 322 and the major intersections in Campbelltown, please read the recommendations and contact Pat to offer your experiences and observations. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.